By Margaret Kamba
The ZANU PF Headquarters houses records of many who journeyed the miles to the various camps in pursuit for Zimbabwe's liberation from colonial rule.
The manner in which the records are classified speaks volumes about the order and discipline the young men and women who sacrificed their lives for Zimbabwe had.
In my recent visit to the archives, I felt honoured to read through some of the records detailing the war.
It was an honour to meet face on paper with these gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who were selfless and gave up their way of life.
Imagine giving up on that motor spare parts shop to go to a place you have never been in order to bring freedom to your country.
This was the reality of these young boys and girls who left the classroom benches they sat on so that Zimbabwe could be free from colonial rule.
What fascinated me about this particular room was its ability to distinguish who actually went to war and who didn't.
The room has in detail the name of each person, where they came from and how old they were. It also details who was sent abroad for further training.
It is a room in which given a chance one can actually go to commune with the comrades and allow their spirit to envelope you.
The ages on some of those records are shocking and terrifying. I felt my tears welling up when I read through one record which was written Grade 4. I could only imagine my son going out to war, in the middle of nowhere, with noone to care for but the gods. My stomach still shudders when I think of it.
This was the reality of the boys and girls who went to war. This was the reality of their parents. This is the reality of men and women beckon to come home for their befitting burial. Many who still lie in ditches, rivers beds and banks, under the trees having been shot or bombed by the cruel Smith regime.
It is appalling to have men and women, for lack of a better word, disrespect the freedom brought about by the maimed and deceased comrades.
It is nerve wrecking to have people disregard the sacrifice by those who have gone before us and seek their final resting place.
Those who survived the fleas, hunger, bombings and have scars are continually reminded of the war.
Zimbabwe did not come on a silver platter. It was brought about by the blood and sacrifice of Zimbabwe's very own sons and daughters.
The deliberate move by ZANU PF and INSTAK to have these records digitalised could not have come at a better time. At the touch of a button, we will be able to retrieve information about these gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe. It is my hope that this move will instill patriotism in those willing to sell this country for a few pieces of silver.